title: Comparative performance of free surface and sub-surface flow systems in the phytoremediation of hydrocarbons using Scirpus grossus.
abstract: Two types of flow system, free surface flow (FSF) and sub-surface flow (SSF), were examined to select a better way to remove total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) using diesel as a hydrocarbon model in a phytotoxicity test to Scirpus grossus. The removal efficiencies of TPH for the two flow systems were compared. Several wastewater parameters, including temperature (T, °C), dissolved oxygen (DO, mgL(-1)), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP, mV), and pH were recorded during the experimental runs. In addition, overall plant lengths, wet weights, and dry weights were also monitored. The phytotoxicity test using the bulrush plant S. grossus was run for 72 days with different diesel concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%) (Vdiesel/Vwater). A comparison between the two flow systems showed that the SSF system was more efficient than the FSF system in removing TPH from the synthetic wastewater, with average removal efficiencies of 91.5% and 80.2%, respectively. The SSF system was able to tolerate higher diesel concentrations than was the FSF system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Biochemical Engineering, Al-Khwarizmi College of Engineering, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. Electronic address: israabal@eng.ukm.my.
authors.forename: Israa Abdul Wahab
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Al-Baldawi
authors.forename: Siti Rozaimah Sheikh
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.forename: Fatihah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Suja
authors.forename: Nurina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Anuar
authors.forename: Idris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mushrifah
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D029785:Cyperaceae / Q000378:metabolism*; D005742:Gasoline; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D062065:Wastewater / Q000737:chemistry; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D005742:Gasoline; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D062065:Wastewater
keywords: Free surface flow; Hydrocarbon; Phytotoxicity; Scirpus grossus; Sub-surface flow